The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed in Jamaica on 10 March 2020; and, coincided with the 2019–2020 dengue fever epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean.On 15 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) confirmed that 19 suspected cases were reported and the patients tested. Of the 19 suspected cases, only two patients were confirmed as having the virus – one coming from Trinidad and Tobago and the other who had “contact tracing from the index case.”
On 16 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) reported that there were five preliminary confirmed cases.Later that day, the government confirmed that only two of the five reported cases tested positive for COVID-19.In response to the increase in cases, the government announced further social distancing measures such as imposed work-from-home directives, the banning of all mass gatherings of more than 20 people, and the shuttering of bars, restaurants, sporting events.
On 25 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 556. Of the new cases, three were recently repatriated to Jamaica by cruise ship with the fourth being a contact of a confirmed case. The patients – two males and two females, between the ages of 28 and 55-years-old – hail from Saint Ann and Saint Catherine parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 27 more patients – the highest single day recovery to date – bringing the recovery total to 238.On 26 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) confirmed 08 additional cases bringing the total to 564.The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 29 more patients – the highest single day recovery to date.
Between 29 and 31 August, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) confirmed 449 additional cases bringing the total to 2,459. Of the new cases: 08 were imported; 18 were deemed to be contacts of previously confirmed cases or other imported cases; 322 patients had their modes of transmission placed under investigation/undetermined. During this 48-hour period, the health ministry also reported: the recovery and release of 02 patients bringing the recovery total to 890.
Between 1 and 5 September, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) confirmed 565 additional cases bringing the total to 3,024. Of the new cases: 14 were deemed to be contacts of previously confirmed cases or other imported cases; 549 patients had their modes of transmission placed under investigation/undetermined; and, 02 patients were determined to be of local transmission not epidemiologically linked. During this 48-hour period, the health ministry also reported: the recovery and release of 60 patients bringing the recovery total to 950; 11 COVID-19 related deaths bringing the official death toll to 32.
The government announced a travel ban between China and Jamaica. All people entering Jamaica from China will be subject to immediate quarantine for at least 14 days, and anyone who was allowed to land and shows symptoms of the virus will be put in immediate isolation. In keeping with the new policy, 19 Chinese nationals who arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport on the evening of 31 January were denied entry, quarantined, and put on a flight back to China on 1 February.On 20 March, the Government of Jamaica announced that all sea and airports will be closed to incoming traffic for a period of 14 days effective 21 March.
On 23 March, the Government of Jamaica imposed a stay-at-home order for all Jamaican citizens and residents 75 years and older for a period of 14 days; the order coming into effect on 25 March. Prime Minister Andrew Holness also announced that all public sector workers 65 years and older must work from home; school closures shall extend to the end of the Easter term (8 April); and, that all persons who entered the country on 18 March will be placed on an additional 14 days quarantine.
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